A Simple Death - flipside B - Barbara LM Handley

A Simple Death

I stabbed it
once, and
withdrew the pin.
I stared at the bird,
dying
in my hand.
Heartbeat slow.
Slowing.

I killed it
for you.
You snatched those wings from
sturdy flight and
smashed it
into a cage.

My stomach heaved. The bird
wilted
against the bars.

1985

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